It’s not too hard to mess up doughnuts, but it is not easy to make a perfect doughnut. (Does that sound like bad advice printed in a fortune cookie? Maybe.) More or less, that’s my attitude regarding the breakfast confection. Lucky for everyone living or passing through Asheville, NC– all you have to do is drive (or bike) to HOLE doughnuts. It is one of those shops you’ll keep thinking of long after you’ve left it’s sunny picnic tables.

HOLE makes their doughnuts fresh to order meaning you get them hot. The doughnuts are light and a little crispy on the outside– similar to beignets (apparently? I’ve actually never had a beignet…) and though appearing relatively simple (less is more!), the flavors were balanced and exciting. Think toasted sesame seeds and spices. We ordered coffees and one of each doughnut (they only offer four flavors a day) and each one was great. Like really great. So yumz.

In 1720, Floriano Francesconi opened a caffè in Venice’s Piazza San Marco… And it’s beautiful. Pretty astonishing that nearly three-hundred years later, the caffè still stands and is recognized as one of Venice’s gems.

I knew I’d at least have to sit inone of the oldest cafes in Europe, but I don’t think I quite prepared myself for what I was actually going to drink. I ordered just the Bicerin (coffee, chocolate, and cream) and was full when I left. That stuff is thick.

I’m a firm believer in the power of coffee, and where you drink it can be just as important as the caffeine itself. Today I’m not in a seventeenth century landmark. I’m somewhat buried in work, school, and various creative projects. I’m tired. It’s Monday. My apartment is definitely not emblazoned with golden cherubs, but it is perfectly okay. Just photos of this place calms me.

Where is your favorite place to have coffee? Favorite shop? Let me know.

Good morning from Praha! I’ve spent a week walking and walking and walking. + Admiring these streets, these cafes, some aggressive river side swans, and excellent unexpected company. Sundays are for coffee and lazing and sometimes czech poetry. Prague is the Golden City fo sho.

Oh! Here’s a piece I wrote part fashion, part travel, mostly sentimental for a site I’m pretty excited about, Millennials Or Die. Read if you’d like and check out their mission and other stellar posts thus far!

Giving yourself some well-desrved personal time is the best way to get through a busy week, no? I spent my morning wondering why it was so bright in my apartment, walking out into the sunniest weather we’ve had in a while, and studying at Black Tap Coffee. If you live in Charleston, how could you not want to spend all mornings tucked away on Beaufain Street basking in all that natural light? It’s a terrific shop that we’re very lucky to have. I usually order a pot of tea or pour-over coffee, but this morning I tried the brown sugar latte and may never go back. While biking to my 10am after, I had to make a serious effort to not turn around. Thanks Black Tap for reminding me that even Wednesday mornings can feel like Sundays.